Intro to me and my Seca

Hey all,

I've been bent on getting a motorcycle for the past 5 years. Those closest to me are not surprised that I finally did simply because I never would shut up about it.

I saw a GS500 for sale at the pawn shop nearby for $600 and was on the fence about it. That was until I saw the xj650 for sale on Craigslist for $900. I researched both bikes and liked them, until I read this article about the xj650. I was absolutely stoked and really liked the uniqueness qualities this bike seemed to possess. It kind of clicked with me. A lot.

I called the owner up and met him at his place, taking my friend and a flashlight. When asked if he can start it up, he says how the battery is dead, but it'll start up if you jump it. Hindsight's 20/20, especially when you're emotionally amped up about something. Yeah, I probably should have been alarmed that he didn't mention to me on the phone that the bike isn't ready to run NOW despite his ad saying it runs. Mind you, the owner didn't know really anything else about the bike, and even the tach was off, so he didn't know the mileage. He guessed about 30k. Oh, and he crashed it behind a bus and somehow put some huge dents in the gas tank.

Regardless, we spend about 30 minutes trying to jump it until he finally gets his other bike's (a newer street bike) battery and plugs it in. He still can't start it. So, he running starts it and it cranks up. It sounds pretty good, so my friend takes off on it around the block. He tells me 6, maybe 7 is the max I should offer.

$650 and the deal's done. The owner also doesn't want me to take his battery home, so he drives it 30 miles to my house, and I drop him back at home. He said on the way back that I could call him if I had any questions. Next day his number's disconnected. Guess not. Maybe he went to Vegas.

Next day there's also a huge gas leak dripping out from the carbs. Prime was left on. Get a new battery and after a running start, take her around the block. Except now she won't hold idle without holding the throttle open a little. Oil seemed empty and also upon opening it, smells like gas. (After research it seems to me as if the petcock is messed up, the fuel line needs a filter, the gas tank needs cleaning (it's rusted), and most importantly, the CARBS NEED A REBUILD.) Oh, and I spose I'll get those front and rear brakes redone, too.

ADD TO THAT, a million jerry-rigged parts that has really left me scratching my head. He did an alright paint job on it. I'm not sure I like the rear tail fairing he had made, though..


12+ hours of research later, lists made for tools and parts needed (first time mechanic), and here I am, on xjbikes, ready to get down to business (once my manuals arrive from Len, of course).


Here are some pics to give an idea of what's up with this bike:

dents in the headlight


electrical system


some kind of get-up for the rear brake light to turn on when the pedal is pushed. it doesn't work.


a better look at the rear brake light get-up


twisted headers to make a 4 into 1 exhaust system...




I have no idea how in the hell these dents happened.



And, I believe the handlebars were twisted upside down for a cafe racer kind of look. Except it's impossible to handle on this bike.


Anyway, this was my intro, and I look forward to fixing her up and getting to know you all better here. You'll have some more updates from me as well as a dedicated post.

 

Welcome! Looking at those pictures I'd say not to make any plans for leaving the garage for the winter

No matter, you've come to the right place to bring it back from the dead!

Let the questions begin....

 

Hey thanks.

Yeah it breaks my heart not being able to even take her around the block yet, but I gotta do what I gotta do.

First question: any idea of how much it'll take to get her safely functional? As in daily rider, weekend tripper? I'm hoping less than a thousand bucks (and tons and tons and tons of, ahem, learning [read: fixing]).
And to get her into fully restored, I'm guessing 2? No idea.

 

Which part of FL are you from? We have a motorcycle grave yard close to here. I know they have a couple of 550 SECA's not sure about 650's.

 

Tampa. Really? Could I call them up?

 

Welcome Solcoco; ask as many questions as you can, the guys here are brilliant, keep us posted on progress and good on you for taking on the challenge, you wont regret it when she's back to normal (if that's your plan)

 

Welcome Solcoco. I suggest you don't even try to ride that bike until you know it's roadworthy. Good luck on the recommissioning.

 

To answer your question: you should certainly be able to do a solid recommissioning for under a $Grand. If you already have a decent set of metric tools and a place to work, a budget of $600 ~ $800 should get the bike solidly back on the road.

The tail section looks original; the rear fender is either missing or has been hacked off short.

There are quite a few of us with 650 Secas in various stages of resurrection and/or restoration at present, so reference pics will be no problem.

You can probably find a replacement gas tank through this site or on eBay; same for the headlight shell. Except the headlight shell will be a bit of a challenge, the unit on there is an 8" while pretty much all the other Yamahas of the era had 7" headlights. I had to source both of those myself, and found them here thanks to fellow forum members.

Welcome aboard; you're in the right place.

 

Cutting/shortening the rear fender was a VERY popular thing to do to this bike.........for whatever reason, people thought it looked cool---I think it looks stupid.

Don't worry, all the parts you need are around here somewhere, it'll just take some asking. Some of the parts for the 650rj were unique to the model, so there will be some challenges, but stay here, ask questions, listen, read, and learn.

You'll be able to restore your bike, and enjoy it as well.

look through the archives, picture galleries, etc...... and you see TONS of bikes that were even worse off than yours that were brought back to show bikes and gorgeouse daily riders. It's sometimes a metter of keeping a focus on the finished result as it is also easy to get bogged down in the 'frustrating' moments.

Not to put a damper on things, but just for being realistic......I have received several trophies for some of my bikes (which have taken time to get to that status), but also have a 650rj that I have been working on for 2 yrs, and a maxim X that I've been dinking with for 3. Neither of which have gotten to even attempt to start up yet. Meh.......they get done when they get done. You'll get there.

Welcome aboard,

Dave Fox

 

Hey Sol, good luck with the bike, there is some work to do, but I've seen worse (and currently have worse sitting in my backyard) you'll get there.

I've only only recently joined myself & this is my first real, non-running project and had already found these guys to be extremely supportive and helpful

Ian

 

There's a big yard full of Yamahas in Floral City.
engine side covers from all the "mid-size shafties" will fit,
your bike must be ear-splitting loud !

 

I actually see a lot of "good news" looking at that bike. It's just missing OEM components for the most part. Headlight bracket, gauges, fender, brake light switch, exhaust, and the side cover. Then it looks to be wiring and general maintenance where the rest of the work is.

If you want to keep stuff cheap, you could always try and go the more universal route...aftermarket fleabag gauges, aftermarket 7" headlight and mounts...aftermarket handlebars...but honestly used OEM will be just as cheap and be WAY easier to install since all the holes already line up.

That brake light setup is so epically ghetto...almost genius.

 

Welcome. Looks like you've done your homework on what it will take. Be patient and don't give up hope. These bikes are a labor of love and worth every minute. I won't part with my Maxim.
My brother lives in Tampa near the fairgrounds. Are you near there?

 

They are called Mauro's Cycle Salvage in Floral City.
You can but they won't be any help. Only worth it if you go yourself and do a walk about in the Yamaha section. These are out in the elements and in rough shape. But for engine parts that can be sanded and polished, it can be worth it.

But try these guys first in Pinellas.

Eagle Go Karts Parts & Repair
4413 Morris St N, St Petersburg, FL ‎
(727) 527-9614

http://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxeuyU_ ... sp=sharing

Check out that FJ1200 in that photo.

 

That's exactly my plan. Thanks!

No sir. I was going to take it out around the block the other day and had to exercise great, great restraint. I'm just praying the engine's in good shape and compression comes out good.

That's reassuring I was worried I might have stepped into a money pit. She holds promise, though! I love the 8" headlight it's like a police helicopter searchlight.

Yeah, to me it doesn't really seem to flow with the bike.

Some of these bikes look drop dead gorgeous. And yeah, some were worse off so it's not impossible. Trying to make sure I'm prepared before I touch one bolt on her. Amassing tools right now, soon I will embark on the great taking her apart for the first time journey.

If the ride's not about the destination, but the journey, then, is simply getting to the journey a destination

Hey thanks, Ian. In that case, I look forward to seeing you make progress on your bike as well.

Ohhhhh yeah it is. Even on the bike you're thinking like, damn! Not sure if it would be good for longer rides, though, I see why the PO did it.

Floral city huh? Thanks I'll go check it out in the next couple weeks.

Good news is... Good! I'll probably go for OEM for most of my parts.

Yeah.. I really didn't know what to think when I figured out that that activated the brake light. I had to give him some props for it. But still I wonder, why????

I already feel attachment to it and I've only ridden it once. I drive by the fairgrounds once a week for work. I stay over by Carrollwood.

I can't open the pic right now but I'll check it out when I pull out my laptop later.

Great, thanks! Floral city seems to be the place. And somewhere nearby in Pinellas helps, too. I was looking for some good places and really had no idea where to start. The only place I saw that was good was in Miami.... I'd rather be riding there ON my bike rather than searching for parts.

 

That brake light mcgyver looks scary!

Seems doable, I'd be most worried about the electricals but they always befuddle me. Strip it down, do the maintenance, and put it back together with some replacements, then go vrooomm.

Here's a good summary with links of things you have to check (http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=43470.html ).

Warning: Previous Owners should never be trusted, and in this case you *know* he was a flake. I'd be worried about the title (which wasn't mentioned above), and suggest before you do any work that you make sure it's clear with the state.

 

Good news!!! Got the title done and it went off without a hitch. Though, I agree I was worried as hell in retrospect by his shady behavior.

Yeah I'm thinking that I'll eventually get the mechanical stuff but I'll probably need a lot of help with the electrical.

Thanks for the link!

 

Don't mean to be disrespectful, but some day you will be old and unreliable. I do not have time to read all of these things.

 

All of what things?

Old when it applies to motorcycles does not have to equal unreliable. How reliable is a direct function of the amount of work done up front to put the bike back in service.

 

I invite you to read up on Dick Mann, two time AMA Grand National winner. He's 79 years old and still rides like he did when he was 20. His father was an 82 year-old Marine Drill Instructor when Dick was born.

I know more young unreliable people, than I do old unreliable people. People and bikes are very much alike in one regard; if you don't maintain things properly, they fall apart.

 

If you don't have time to read, let alone do, all the things needed to make an old bike safe & reliable, don't get one. Get a new bike, you'll be happier. you can just ride for a few years before that bike starts getting unreliable due to owner neglect, or can hire someone to keep it running. Hard to find people to do that on old bikes, so we have to do it ourselves.

 

Wow, I thought my $600 bike looked pretty bad. You may end up spending a ton of money on that thing. You are going to need a new exhaust I think. At least you came to the right place.

 

A new lot things, I think! Simply inverting the handlebars to the correct position has revealed that. One step at a time, I spose.